Hafback: MVP design for an in-process returns marketplace.

Hafback is a resale marketplace that helps retailers cut costs and reduce emissions by reselling in-process returns directly to consumers at discounted prices.

The Problem

Retailers face high costs and environmental impact from return shipping and processing, while consumers want affordable, eco-friendly shopping options from trusted brands.

The Solution

We built a platform that enables retailers to resell in-process returns before they’re shipped back. Shoppers get new-in-box products at deep discounts, while retailers save on logistics and reduce waste all within a seamless, branded experience.

Business Goals

As a portfolio company of Platform Venture Studio, Hafback aimed to launch an MVP in 6–8 weeks to gather early insights and guide next steps. I collaborated closely with the team from concept to launch. These original designs represent the MVP we shipped.

My Role
  • Led design for MVP development
  • Built foundational design system and component library
  • Designed all UI, visual, and interaction patterns
  • Ran usability testing and design QA
Team
  • Founder
  • CPO/CDO
  • Design Lead (me!)
  • Low-code Developer
  • Full-stack Engineer
Tools
Figma and Adobe Creative Suite

UI Foundations

Before diving into individual screens, here’s a representative look at the core design system that supported rapid MVP development.

Color Palette A minimal, high-contrast palette built for accessibility and brand recognition across product and marketing surfaces.

Typography A clear type system that supports hierarchy and reinforces the brand’s approachable, modern tone.

Basic UI Components Foundational building blocks created for clarity, consistency, and speed — designed to grow with the product and scale with the system.

Desktop Experience Highlights

A responsive layout with a bold homepage hero, intuitive filters, and rich product cards. Visual design emphasizes clarity and confidence, helping users shop quickly and efficiently.

Home Hero & Navigation A bold entry point into the experience, featuring a high-contrast CTA, card hover states with favorites, and product filtering options.

Marketplace Value Statement Communicates the benefit of in-process returns for shoppers and brands. A clear CTA invites retailers to join the platform.

Shopping & Return Flow Filters for size, color, brand and more help users browse with ease. A custom return portal and restock notifications support a smooth, branded experience.

Mobile Experience Highlights

The mobile flow focuses on product discovery, with streamlined interactions and clear calls to action.

Clear Entry Point Mobile homepage highlights product discovery, value messaging, and a bold CTA inviting retailers to join the platform.

Retailer Experience Highlights Signup prompt, a peek into the branded returns portal pitch, and examples of the custom return flow shoppers see.

Frictionless Shopping Core shopping flow with filters, product detail pages, and back-in-stock notifications designed to streamline browsing and boost engagement.

Interactive Prototype

Want to see it in action? View the mobile prototype

Marvelous at making returns feel good again.

Thank you for spending time with this showcase. Designed to scale, Hafback's MVP focused on clarity, speed, and visual consistency.

Contact me for a deeper dive into this project and my design process.